Small ship cruise experiences are the way to go to get access to unique destinations. They also are a wonderful way to avoid the crowds.
In that spirit, I am excited to learn that Emerald Cruises has announced where its new luxury superyacht Emerald Azzurra, will be going in 2023. The new ship is set to debut in early 2022.
I know that seems like a long timeline, but it has always made sense to me to have a good number of trips to look forward to, as well as ensuring that I don't miss out in case it sells out quickly.
These itineraries are definitely worth putting in the mix for some future trips.
In addition to sailings in the Mediterranean, Red, Aegean and Adriatic seas, the 2023 itinerary for Emerald Azzurra features two different voyages to the Black Sea.
The 15-day Mykonos, Gallipoli and Essence of the Black Sea itinerary sails between Athens and Istanbul, with a port stop in Mykonos before exploring the storied Black Sea at ports in Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria. You get to explore the iconic whitewashed alleyways of Mykonos; learn the history of Sinop, Turkey's prison fortress, where many famous Turkish writers and journalists were imprisoned; and be treated to a private recital in the Palaces of Odessa in Ukraine. Departures are planned for August 5 and August 19, 2023.
For a more in-depth exploration of this diverse region, the 22-day Discover the Greek Islands, Turkey and the Black Sea itinerary expands on the 15-day voyage with additional ports of call in Patmos, Rhodes and Amorgos, Greece, and Kusadasi and Bodrum, Turkey. The extra days are filled with guided city and historical site tours, including a hike to the Monastery of St. John while on Patmos -- arguably one of the most beautiful Greek islands -- and a folklore show in Amorgos, complete with regional delicacies. Sailings are scheduled for July 29 and August 19, 2023.
In addition, Emerald Cruises has announced its "Epic Voyages," two expanded itineraries that combine several shorter itineraries. Offering the best of the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the 26-day Discover Gems of the Mediterranean Coastlines itinerary begins with an exploration of the French and Italian Rivieras between Nice and Rome before heading down Italy's western coast to Sicily and the Ionian Sea to Greece. The last leg of the journey takes cruisers roundtrip from Athens to interesting destinations in Greece and Turkey.
Also, the 22-day Discover the Pearls of Croatia, Greece and Turkey itinerary begins with coastal cruising around Greek islands and the Turkish coastline before setting sail for Dubrovnik with ports of call in Albania and Montenegro. From there, you'll sail north along the Croatian coastline before crossing the Adriatic Sea and finishing your journey in Venice.
Launching in January 2022, Emerald Azzurra is the first custom-built ocean superyacht from Emerald Cruises, offering a luxury cruising experience to small ports and harbors only accessible to small ships. The superyacht will carry just 100 cruisers, who will sail in comfort in 50 deluxe suites and staterooms. Emerald Azzurra features a variety of areas in which to dine and relax; it also has an onboard wellness center complete with a spa, gym and sauna for the ultimate indulgence. The superyacht's marina platform is designed for easy access to snorkeling, paddle boarding and swimming -- just a few of the many activities included.
Thanks for reading,
JR